GREEN BAY – Green Bay public school students will be able to get around the city for free this summer.

The Green Bay School Board unanimously approved a contract Monday night with the city of Green Bay to allow all students to ride the city’s buses at no cost beginning July 1.

The newly expanded bus program is a partnership between the school district, the city and Live54218. The city operates the Green Bay Metro bus system. Live54218 is a group that promotes healthy living and communities.

One of the district's goals was to make sure students have transportation to school activities, Pahlow said. Students can also use the bus for going to work or just to get around the city.

"The reason we are excited about this, is we believe that this provides equity and access for our students to a variety of opportunities across the city and throughout the district," Green Bay School District Associate Superintendent Kim Pahlow said in an interview before the board's meeting.

Students 8 years and older can ride without an adult and elementary school students do not need to show an ID, said Celestine Jeffreys, Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt's chief of staff. Middle and high school students will need to show a school ID to get on a bus. Children 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult but can ride for free.

Teachers will also be able to use the new bus program.

"One of the things that is really exciting for equity for the school district is teachers are able to bring students on the bus for field trips," Jeffreys said.

Over the next two weeks, students will be treated to field trips in an effort to teach them how to use the bus system, Jeffreys said. On Tuesday, some Jackson Elementary School students are scheduled to go to the Neville Public Museum.

"It gives them the opportunity to see that traveling on the city bus is safe," said Pahlow. "They can travel around in a safe environment and our teachers are there to help them transition for the time when they are alone."

The school district was also awarded a 2017 Excellence in Energy Efficiency Award from Focus on Energy during the meeting. The district is one of 15 organizations, and the only school district, to be honored.